Texans’ Antonio Smith’s Antics Cost Him Primetime Season Opener Start

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Morgan

Can’t we all just get along? In the case of Houston’s DE Antonio Smith and Dolphins’ G Richie Incognito, the answer is not just no but hell no.

In the Texans’ 2012 regular season home opener against the Dolphins, both Smith and Incognito were involved in a kicking incident while both players were on the ground after a play. The 2012 incident resulted in Smith being assessed a $21,000 fine which was reduced to $11,000 following an appeal. Fast forward to Saturday’s preseason victory against Miami. Smith was once again unable to control his disdain for Incognito after removing Incognito’s helmet and swinging it at his head. In true Ndamukong Suh fashion, Smith’s antics were at best, inexcusably ridiculous.

Unlike the fine reduction from 2012, the NFL has handed Smith a three game suspension which will prevent Smith from suiting up for the final two preseason games as well as the September 9 season opener against San Diego which just so happens to be Monday Night Football. With Smith off the field, it leaves a huge gap on the defensive line. Coupled with the possibility that both S Ed Reed and RB Arian Foster will remain on the PUP list for the season opener, this loss could negatively affect the Texans.

And for what, really? What is it about Incognito that toasts Smith’s buns so much? Luckily for Smith and the Texans, they don’t have to the see the Dolphins again during the regular season this year.

Smith, who markets himself as the “Ninja Assassin,” seemed to take his self-inflicted moniker to heart on Saturday which cost him a hefty penalty. Perhaps Smith should realize that ten year veterans should act like professionals and less like fictitious action characters.

Morgan, a Houston native, is equal parts travel aﬁcionado and crazed sports fan. If not traveling on Sundays between September and January, she can often be found rooting for the home team, the Houston Texans, and shouting “Battle Red!” at anyone who is willing to listen.

When not writing for On Her Game Sports, Morgan is exploring her city, the world, and writing about her experiences as she goes about life.

In addition to frequent sports talk radio appearances and general public speaking engagements, Morgan is also the Houston Travel Examiner for examiner.com offering interesting travel tidbits for those looking for unique experiences in, around, to, and from Houston, Texas.

Follow her on twitter @LetsGeauxMeaux, Facebook at www.facebook.com/LetsGeauxMeaux, and on the Examiner at www.examiner.com/travel-in-houston/morgan-gaskin.